AMMAN — HRH Princess Basma, chairperson of the board of trustees of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), on Sunday attended a national meeting organised by the commission under the theme "Women in Agriculture: From Beneficiaries to Partners". 

 

The meeting aimed to identify the priorities of women working in agriculture as part of a national dialogue on policies and rural development, and to enhance their participation in shaping decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods, according to a JNCW statement.

 

Princess Basma stressed the importance of the meeting, which addresses the situation of women in the agricultural sector as a matter at the heart of Jordan’s development, highlighting women working in the sector as partners in production, rights-holders in terms of opportunities and decision-making, and a key component in shaping the future of Jordan’s rural communities.

 

She said that the meeting is in line with the UN declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, underscoring the importance of ensuring that women working in agriculture are reflected in policies, programmes and practices, and are recognised as being at the heart of the rural economy and one of its pillars.

 

Princess Basma highlighted the challenges facing women working in agriculture, including transportation, the lack of social protection, limited access to extension services and support, and care responsibilities, stressing the need for a more integrated institutional response.

 

She noted that Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) has placed agricultural productivity and women’s economic participation among national priorities, highlighting the importance of pursuing both tracks and empowering women working in this vital sector, while treating them as partners in decision-making and access to opportunities.

 

Princess Basma also highlighted the pivotal role of JNCW as a national mechanism that brings together public institutions, civil society, the private sector and other partners, and works to link national policies to women’s lived realities.

 

Acting JNCW Secretary-General Dima Jweihan said that talking about women in agriculture is about hard work, economic empowerment and food security, as well as equitable access to resources, services and opportunities.

 

She stressed the importance of recognising women’s work, enabling them to benefit from its returns and ensuring their participation in decisions related to their work.

 

Jweihan added that the meeting reflects the commission’s commitment, under the leadership of Princess Basma, to providing a platform for meaningful national dialogue with women working in agriculture, highlighting their experiences, expertise and needs, and viewing them as partners in production, decision-making and setting development priorities, rather than merely as beneficiaries.

 

The meeting included working sessions with the participation of women working in agriculture and representatives of relevant institutions.

 

The sessions addressed several themes, including guidance and extension services; technology and resilience to climate change; entrepreneurship; markets and leadership; decent work and care; and financing and ownership.

 

The sessions concluded with agreement on clear and specific outcomes under each theme, with the aim of incorporating them into the National Strategy for Women in Jordan.

 

The meeting marked the beginning of a dialogue and follow-up process that links the voices of women working in agriculture to policymaking and strengthens national efforts to support their economic and social participation and their role in developing their communities.

 

The meeting also focused on the JNCW’s role in bringing together relevant stakeholders and coordinating their efforts, conveying women’s priorities to national policymaking and planning processes, and building on the discussions to update the National Strategy for Women and its implementation plan, particularly in areas related to women’s economic and social empowerment.